Omron BCM-500 - Understanding Body Composition Results; 20. Information on Body Composition

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Information on body composition
20. Information on Body Composition
Principle of body composition calculation
Body fat has low electric conductivity
The BCM-500 measures the body fat percentage by the Bioelectrical Impedance (BI) method.
Muscles, blood vessels and bones are body tissues with a high water content that conducts electricity
easily. Body fat is tissue that has little electric conductivity. The BCM-500 sends an extremely weak
electrical current of 50 kHz and less than 500
µ
A through your body to determine the amount of fat
tissue. This weak electrical current is not felt while operating the BCM-500.
In order for the scale to determine your body composition, it uses the electrical impedance, along with
your height, weight, age and gender information to generate results based on OMRON’s data of body
composition.
Recommended measurement times
Understanding the normal changes in
your body fat percentage can help you in
preventing or reducing obesity. Being aware
of the times when the body fat percentages
shift within your own daily schedule will assist
you in obtaining an accurate trending of
your body fat. It is recommended to use this
monitor in the same environment and daily
circumstances. (See chart)
Avoid taking measurements under the following conditions:
- Immediately after vigorous exercise, after a bath or sauna.
- After drinking alcohol or a large amount of water, after a meal (about 2 hours).
If a measurement is taken under these physical conditions, the calculated body composition may differ
signicantlyfromtheactualonebecausethewatercontentinthebodyischanging.
What is BMI (Body Mass Index)?
BMI uses the following simple formula to indicate the ratio between weight and height of a person.
BMI = weight (lb) / height (inches) / height (inches) × 703
The OMRON BCM-500 uses the height information stored in your user ID or when entering information
intheGuestModetocalculateyourBMIclassication.
If the fat level revealed by BMI is higher than the international standard, there is an increased
likelihood of common diseases. However, not all types of fat can be revealed by BMI.
Daily activities
Waking up
Breakfast
Lunch
Taking a bath or
eating dinner
Going to bed
2 hours
2 hours
2 hours
Recommended time
Recommended time
Recommended time
Recommended time
Before going to bed and about 2
hours or more after dinner or bath
Before lunch and about 2 hours
or more after breakfast
After waking up
In the afternoon about 2 hours
or more after lunch and before
taking a bath or eating dinner
Avoid measurement immediately
after eating or bathing.